Strap and method for utilizing the strap

ABSTRACT

A carrier with a handle having a left side and a right side and a loop string having two sides with the first side held on the left side on the handle and the second side being held on the right side of the handle. The handle may have a shoulder strap attached to the handle and may be adjusted to the shoulder length. The strap is to be tied in a loop. The handles may have a buckle attached to a waist belt. The handle defines a gap on the left side and a gap on the right side through which the loop may pass upon compression and an opening for receiving the loop wider than the gap. A buckle for restricting the length of the loop of string to secure a load within a hoop formed by the string. A plurality of strings of different lengths may be used. A loader for leading bags on the handle is also shown.

PRIORITY

[0001] This patent claims priority based on provisional patent number 60/459,426 filed on Mar. 28, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention pertains to carrying straps. More particularly it pertains to bags having opposing loops and a free loop of string with a handle forjoining these with a method for loading bags onto a free loop.

FIELD OF INVENTION PRIOR ART GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As can best be seen by reference to FIG. 1 the invention utilizes a handle which receives one end of a loop on the left end of the handle and the other end of the loop on the right end of the handle in order to provide a carrying mechanism which is better described in more detailed below.

[0004] The length of the string is made adjustable through a variety of mechanisms, one of which being the provision of multiple string lengths which may connect to the handle, through snug knots on a single string, by a sliding buckle.

[0005] A mechanism is provided to tighten the loop and maintain this tightens once it has been put in place around a load or handle to be lifted.

[0006] Also taught is a specialized strap which allows the weight of the handle to be properly distributed to the person carrying the load and allows for the detachment of the handle from the shoulder support and the re-attachment so that the support may be continuously worn by the user while the handle is periodically detached.

[0007] Also taught is a method of utilizing the broad invention in conjunction with a number of other products each of which forms a combination which is a unique invention.

[0008] One combination includes handcuffs in order to provide the user with handling distance between the user and the person handcuffed as well as providing a mechanism for securing the handcuffs and thereby the individual restrained to various stationary objects and in easily releaseable fashion.

[0009] In another use a collection of bags having handles utilizes a looping handle in order to releaseably secure the collection together so that they may be more easily carried and so they may be set down without spilling even if the bags are otherwise without structural support.

[0010] The handles have several modifications including describing an opening through which a flag may be secured and an opening through which an additional securing mechanism (such as a nail) may be utilized in order to permanently or removably attach the device in the end of lumber for providing a signal while the lumber is transported. This may also apply to loads other than lumber such as ladders and the like.

[0011] In addition an alternative looping mechanism whereby a second set of ropes is attachable in conjunction with the first set of ropes allows for different types of loads to be carried.

[0012] It is therefore one object of the invention in order to provide for a loading mechanism which allows for bags to come off a rack and be individually loaded and to be grouped together on a single carrying string. These carrying arms may be made to swing towards the location of a basket in order to allow easier removal by the user of the combined loads.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become better understood hereinafter from a consideration of the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings forming part thereof, and in which like numerals correspond to parts throughout the several views of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the handle front.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the string.

[0017]FIG. 3 is an end view from the 3-3 axis shown in FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 4 is perspective view of the handle from FIG. 1 from the rear side.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a dimensional view of the view shown in FIG. 4.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a dimensional view of the side of FIG. 5.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a dimensional view of the view shown in FIG. 3.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a line drawing of a modification of the preferred embodiment.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a larger view of FIG. 8

[0024]FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0026]FIG. 12 is a view of a second alternative embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 13 is a detail from FIG. 12 through the 13-13 axis.

[0028]FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG. 12.

[0029]FIG. 15 shows a view of a large load being held.

[0030]FIG. 16 shows a side view of several bags held by a modified handle.

[0031]FIG. 17 shows a three part modified handle.

[0032]FIG. 18 shows an alternate embodiment where the invention is used in conjunction with the bags.

[0033]FIG. 19 shows a box holder with the embodiment of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0034]FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of the handle body showing that the handle 60 (comprised of the body 1 and string 2) consists of a handle body 1 which is preferably curved (as shown in the side view 3) defining holes 3 and 5 into which a loop string 2 shown on FIG. 2 may be inserted. In order to allow the string to be inserted without being cut gaps 4 and 6 are defined by the body 1. Preferably the narrowest interior points 33 of the gaps 4 and 6 are smaller than the diameter 34 of the string 2 (shown in FIG. 2) so that the string 2 must be compressed to fit within the openings 3 and 5 which are wider than the interior points 33 so that the string may re-expand and does not easily fall out. The use of gaps allows for different length strings to be used.

[0035] The bottom of the handle defines a slot 14 so that when the hand is holding the handle along the ridges, it faces upward. This slot is stationed upward and away from the pull of gravity, and the end of the string which has been passed through the handles of the bags to be carried can be inserted through the slot in order to half the length of the string so that a single string defines at least two lengths. It may be repeatedly looped through this slot 14 to change the string length.

[0036] The gaps are shown as angled inward so the string may be steadily compressed as the string 2 is inserted into openings 3 and 5. The gaps reopen at the openings 3 and 5 past the narrowest interior points 33 to allow the string 2 to re-expand so it is not easily removed.

[0037] One alternation is to close the gap (as shown in FIG. 4) after the string is inserted through welding or glue, or with a closing clasp 36.

[0038] This closure way (clasp 36) in locking the movement of the string 2 to prevent the string from sliding within the body, although this is not a requirement. An alternate method shown in FIG. 3 is to secure one end of the string with a button 37 or knot 38. This allows the string to be un-looped and prevents sliding of the string.

[0039] Ridges 7 help the user to hold on to the handle while indentations 8, 9, 10 and 11 between the ridges 7 and serve as places where the fingers of the user (not shown) may go.

[0040] As can best be seen by reference to FIG. 3 the bottom defines a slot 14 whose purpose is to receive the middle 39 of string 2 after it passes around a load (as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17). Slot 14 preferably runs along the entire length of the body 1 opposite the gaps 4 and 6. A central opening 12 runs through the length of the body 1.

[0041] As can best be seen by reference to FIG. 4 looking through the top of the invention into the opening 12 through the slot 14 in the body 1. There are raised frictional edges 13 which in this case are partially raised letters 15 in order to improve the grip on the side the handle 1.

[0042]FIG. 5 is a view of an alternate to FIG. 4 showing raised edges 13 on either side of the slot 14.

[0043]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the side of FIG. 5.

[0044]FIG. 6 shows where the holes 3 and 5 and gaps 4 and 6 would be, although they cannot be seen from the side in this view.

[0045]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the view of the handle shown in FIG. 8.

[0046]FIG. 8 is a view of a modification of the preferred embodiment. In this modification a shoulder strap 16 and belt 22, connected to a swivel 17 holds a hook 20 supports a ring 18 through which the handle 1 and string 2 are looped to hold one or more handles 21 of a bag 42 with a loop 19 in the string 2. Here, the handles 21 are held by a bar 40 which receives the ends 41 of the string 2 with buttons 37 in this alternate view.

[0047] The attachment means in FIG. 8 may be moved to the side of the user.

[0048]FIG. 9 is an alternate view of an alternate embodiment to FIG. 8 showing where the belt 22 has been connected to the strap 16 to provide more support to the user 43. Here, the loop 19 is formed with the middle 39 of the string 2 through a loop 44 in the belt 22.

[0049]FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 1 where the handle is curved to make it easier to hold.

[0050]FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention whereby handcuffs 23 are held by a loop 19 around the chain 24 of the cuffs 23. This handle body 1 may be solid with the string 2 permanently attached to prevent the detainee wearing the cuffs from slipping away from the handle 1. The handle 1 may be held or shut into a door to secure the position of the cuffs 23. The string may, where desirable, be replaced with wire or insulated wire.

[0051] While the string is described in a preferred embodiment, it is obvious that heavier rope might be used for some industrial purposes. Strings may be replaced with straps. Straps or strings 2 with buckles 50 receiving the strap through holes 51 and 52 allow the user to vary the length of the string.

[0052]FIG. 12 is a view of an alternate embodiment. This figure shows how a clasp 25 may define an opening 26 (shown in FIG. 13) as it slides along the string 2 to secure a load 32 (shown in FIG. 14) held in the hoop 27 with an adjustable interior 26 defined by the string 2 when a larger load (such as logs as shown in FIG. 14) is being carried. This embodiment also shows a hand guard 28 held on posts 30 between which posts 30 is a gap 31 into which the users hand is inserted. In this way, a large load is separated from the hand of the user holding the guard 28.

[0053]FIG. 13 is a detail view from FIG. 12 through the 13-13 axis. The interior space 45 of the buckle 25 is preferably approximately the same width as the two sides 2 a and 2 b of string 2.

[0054]FIG. 14 is a view of FIG. 12 which shows how a pad 29 may be placed on the hand guard 28. Screws 46 hold the hand guard 28 to the posts 30 which here are a permanent part of the body 1 in this embodiment.

[0055]FIG. 15 shows a view of a large load held by the invention using a longer loop here made of two loops first loop 2 and second loop 27 joined at the loop 19 (on string around the other) which goes from the handle 1, around a large load 32 at the loop 19 and back to the handle 1 where the second string 47 fits within the slot 14.

[0056]FIG. 16 shows a side view of several bags 42 held by a modified handle. This handle has a top handle 1 and a bottom handle la to lower the height at which the bags 42 are held.

[0057]FIG. 17 shows a three part modified handle. To carry the large load 100, a left and right elbow 99 and 98 respectively, are attached by a line 97 tightened by a buckle 96 to allow the elbows 99 and 98 to be kept at an even spacing and tightly held to the sides 95 of the load 100. Each elbow is attached to a handle body 1 by a string 2.

[0058]FIG. 18 shows an alternate embodiment where the invention is used in conjunction with the bags 42, preferably plastic bags, coming off of the first rack 48 having an arm 49. This first rack is a prior art type of rack which provides for the loading of one plastic bag at a time which is then released by both bag handles 21.

[0059] The length of the arms and strings is preferably within a ½″ size of one another. The arm should have a length of approximately 12″ (at least 8″ but no more than 36″).

[0060] In this simplest embodiment of the invention, there is a second rack 53 which comprises a first rack arm 58, which arm 58 has a first front end 54 and a first rear end 55. The first front end 54 comprises an extending catch 56 for receiving the middle 39 of the loop of string 2. The rear end 55 comprises a support 57 for receiving at least one and preferably a plurality of handles 60 so that sequentially the arms 58 and 59 are supported above the surface 65 by a post 66 and each succeeding handle 60 may be accessed and string 2 may be pulled out and placed on the catch 56.

[0061] These bags are removed from the first rack 48 and they are inserted over the first front end 54 and towards the rear 55 until the entire rack arm 58 on is fully loaded with bags. Thereafter the handle body 1 may be brought forward pulling the handles 21 together and the body 1 is inserted through the middle 39 of the loop formed by the string simultaneously removing the string middle 39 from the catch 56 and pulled tight in order to close the bags 43 and allow them to be lifted together.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment as the arm 58 is loaded, the post 66 may be rotated around a bearing 64 so that the second arm 59 of identical design is rotated in place and may be loaded with a second plurality of bags while the handle 60 is removed from the first rack arm 58.

[0063] In order to provide for a plurality of handles and strings they may be loaded underneath each other with the string of the following handle up. The middle handle carrying portion (support 57) filled here with 3 handles 60. The support 57 may have the handles 60 sequentially numbered with numbers 61, so that the handles may be counted as they are removed. They may be removed over a counter bar 62 triggering a counter (not shown) in order to allow the number of handles used to be counted for billing purposes.

[0064] In order to allow the system to be efficiently used, a flag 62 is provided so the flag 62 may be raised like a mail box flag in order to indicate that the loader is to be utilized for the bags.

[0065] The arms may be folded upward or downward at hinges 63 at the back of these loading arms in order to have them out of the way unless they are in use.

[0066]FIG. 19 shows a box 68 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 which box 68 has a lid 67. The support receives the box as shown in FIG. 19 and the lid 67 is opened. Before the user is checked out, the box 68 is charged and any left over handles are put with the box 68 into the last plastic bag. With the user's order.

[0067] Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment(s) herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A carrier comprised of a handle for holding bag handles defining an interior, a top and a bottom, said top having a left side and a right side and a left opening on the left side and a right opening on the right side and a strap means with a length for securing bag handles said string means having a first end passing through the left opening and a second end passing through the right opening and a middle between the first end and the second end and wherein the handle further defines a slot running the length of the bottom of the handle.
 2. The carrier of claim 1 wherein the invention further comprises a belt with an attachment means for releaseably holding the handle.
 3. The carrier of claim 2 further comprising a shoulder strap attached to the belt at the waist of a user above the attachment means.
 4. The invention of claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises a loop receiving the string means.
 5. The invention of claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises a loop attached o the handle and a peg means on the belt for releaseably holding the loop.
 6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the string means comprises a string.
 7. The invention of claim 6 wherein the left opening defines a gap from the left side to the left opening and the right opening defines a gap from the right side to the left opening which gap is more narrow than the opening and wherein the string is compressible.
 8. The invention of claim 1 wherein the string means further comprises a buckle means for reducing the length of the string means.
 9. The invention of claim 1 wherein the string means further comprises a plurality of strings of different lengths.
 10. The invention of claim 1 further comprised of a plurality of bags with at least two handles receiving the string means with the middle receiving the handle to form a loop passed through the at least two handles of the plurality of bags.
 11. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a support means with an axis and with a perimeter with at least one attachment means for releaseably holding the handles, a catch means for releaseably holding the middle of the string and a first bar with a left end attached to the support means at least one attachment means and a right end attached to the catch means for holding bag handles over the string means.
 12. The invention of claim 11 wherein the support means further comprises at least one second attachment means and at least one second bar attached to the support at least one second attachment means and wherein the support means further comprises or spindle means for allowing the first bar and at least one second bar to rotate about the support means axis.
 13. The invention of claim 11 wherein the bags have a top and a bottom and a length from the bag top and bottom and wherein the support means further comprises a base and wherein the first bar is approximately the same height above the base as the bag length.
 14. The invention of claim 11, wherein the attachment means further comprises a package hold means on holding a package means and wherein the package means hold a plurality of handles.
 15. A method for carrying at least one bag having a left and right side and having a left side handle and a right side handle with a string means with a left end and a right end attached by a carrying handle with a middle between the left end and the right end to form a loop comprising the steps of: (1) holding the bags; (2) sequentially passing the string means middle through the left side handle and right side handle; (3) passing the carrying handle through the loop; and (4) pulling the carrying handle to tighten the loop around the bag handles.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein there are a plurality of bags and wherein the step of sequentially passing further comprises repeating the step of sequentially passing through the left side handle and right side handle for each of the plurality of bags.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of holding further comprises placing the handles on a first bag means for receiving the bag handles.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of holding further comprises the step of rotating the handles to expose at least the second bar means for receiving bag handles positioning the first arm means for unloading the first bags.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of holding further comprises the step of loading bags before placing the handles of the first bar means.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of holding further comprises the step of providing a cue to indicate the methods to be started. 